Foreign driving licences in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: A person living in Victoria for less than 6 months may drive on a current overseas licence for the vehicle type. Anyone staying 6 months or more must convert to a Victorian licence.

RuleWhat applies
Overseas licence valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
Overseas licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceA person who plans to live in Victoria for more than 6 months must convert the overseas licence or learner permit to a Victorian one. The 6 months starts from the day the person starts living in Victoria and is not reset by leaving and returning. [2]
Conditions for a visitor on an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceAn overseas licence may be used if it is current, covers the type of vehicle driven and the holder plans to live and drive in Victoria for less than 6 months. If the licence is not in English, an English translation or an International Driving Permit in English must also be carried. It cannot be used by a person who has been disqualified or suspended in any country, has failed a driving test in Victoria, or holds an Australian licence or permit from another state or territory. [1]
Local licence required for permanent residents and citizensUsing a foreign driving licenceA person who plans to live in Victoria for more than 6 months must convert the overseas licence or learner permit to a Victorian one. The 6 months starts from the day the person starts living in Victoria and is not reset by leaving and returning. [2]
International Driving Permit needed with an overseas licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Victoria: the visitor and resident rules read apply to a licence from any country outside Australia, so the EU and non-EU rows show the same rule. Whether tests are needed to convert a licence depends on the issuing country and was not covered.
  • Victoria: a translation or International Driving Permit is needed only when the licence is not in English, so a yes or no for this field would not be accurate.

Sources

  1. VicRoads: Driving with your overseas licence | VicRoads (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. VicRoads: Convert overseas licence | VicRoads (Internet Archive snapshot of 4 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

National rules that also apply

These rules are set at national level in Australia and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Australia

Overseas licence valid for a visitorYes (source: Austroads)
Overseas licence after becoming a residentAn Australian licence is required once a person becomes a permanent resident or an Australian citizen. The Austroads page gives no grace period. (source: Austroads)
Conditions for a visitor on an overseas licenceA visiting driver, who does not hold a permanent visa, may drive on a valid overseas licence. The licence must be carried at all times together with either an international driving permit or an English translation if it is not in English. The driver may drive only vehicles the licence authorises and must keep to its conditions. Time limits: Northern Territory 3 months; New South Wales and Victoria 6 months; indefinitely in the other states and territories while the licence is current. (source: Austroads)
Local licence required for permanent residents and citizensAn Australian licence is required once a person becomes a permanent resident or an Australian citizen. The Austroads page gives no grace period. (source: Austroads)

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted/built-in only; L/P: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: One per level, plus by bedrooms
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.